New Group Tackles Alien Invaders in the Kootenays

The Central Kootenay is full of alien species, and a new group has formed to combat them. These species are not typical aliens with big eyes and antennae. They are plants, often with beautiful flowers, and they are taking over local ecosystems.

Invasive non-native plant species are brought to Canada, either accidentally or intentionally, and include species like purple loosestrife, spotted knapweed, and common tansy, to name just a few. These plants are highly competitive because they produce large numbers of seeds, form deep taproots, or flower early. Because they arrive in Canada without their natural predators to keep them in balance, they can spread rapidly, forming dense patches over huge areas.

“These plant species can choke out native plant species, affecting local plant populations,” explains Juliet Craig, Coordinator for the newly formed Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee (CKIPC). “Since animals rarely eat these species, infestations can impact wildlife habitat and rangeland. Agriculturally, invasive plants can have huge economic impacts by competing with desirable crops. And around the world, invasive species are considered the second largest contributor to the loss of biodiversity (e.g. extinction of species), next to the loss of habitat.”

The Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee formed to raise awareness about these alien invaders, develop local inventories of these species, and coordinate management activities. The group includes representatives from non-profit societies, utility companies, government agencies, and local companies. Funding has been provided by BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, BC Hydro, Fortis, Terasen Gas, and the Columbia Basin Trust.

“We are hoping to raise the public’s awareness about these plants. By assisting local residents with learning to identify them we can reduce or prevent further spread of the species currently established here and stop the introduction of new invasive species that have not yet found their way to our region.” says Craig.

Added on April 29th, 2005 - Return to Special Features